Flossmoor School District 161

Flossmoor School District 161 is pleased to share with you the achievements of eight exceptional students. On March 16th, 2024, the students below participated in the 34th Annual IMSA Junior High Math Contest. This was the first time Flossmoor School District 161 students participated in the contest. These scholars exhibited their passion for mathematics to the fullest. Congratulations to the following students: • George Airey (Western Ave), Connor Boyko (Parker Junior High), Kristiana-Faith Brown (Parker Junior High), Elliott Chan (Parker Junior High), Avery Cheung (Western Ave), Isaac Hernandez (Parker Junior High), Jackson Symowicz (Western Ave), and Josiah Turpeau (Parker Junior High) won 2nd place in the team portion of the contest. • Jackson Symowicz and Kristiana-Faith Brown also won 4th place in the Creative Thinking portion of the contest. Flossmoor School District 161 would like to thank Ms. Emma Hanzelin, the ACE teacher for Western Avenue Elementary School, for her invaluable support and guidance of our students!

Let's write an EQUATION for Math Night success: Serena Hills edition! When you ADD the dedicated Serena Hills staff to the super fun Serena Hills families, then SUBTRACT distractions, and MULTIPLY loads of fun, you get a night filled with mathematical wonders! There's never a shortage of engaging activities in Flossmoor School District 161, and Math Night at Serena Hills Elementary was no exception.

"Maybe" you missed it, but Western Avenue School stole the spotlight last week with its enchanting production of Annie Kids! As parents and families settled into their seats, whispers of "I Think I'm Going to Like it Here" filled the gymnasium. The directors felt like they were dancing down "Easy Street" as they took the final bow after the second performance. Flossmoor School District 161 extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff who made this magical production possible. Mrs. Valerie Pasqua, Assistant Directors Ms. Emma Hanzelin, and Ms. Amanda Watson gifted our students with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for nurturing our students' talents and reminding them, "You're never Fully Dressed Without a Smile."

At Flossmoor Hills, it's clear our staff and students are all about books! Just take a peek at their book fair – it's buzzing with excitement. You'll see shelves stacked high with all sorts of reads, tempting everyone to dive in and get lost in a good book! As a reminder, Spring Break begins March 25th, and classes resume April 1 (no fooling!)

Spring break for Flossmoor School District 161 from March 25-29. Classes resume on April 1

Please devote a few minutes today to discussing school communications. The survey closes on March 25th! https://survey.k12insight.com/r/rQlaDt

Early Entrance applications for the 2024-25 school year are due by April 1, 2024. Additional information about early entrance can be found here: https://www.sd161.org/o/flossmoor-sd161/page/early-entrance Please contact the Department of Learning and Instruction at 708-647-7017 if you have any questions.

Students in Flossmoor School District 161 often engage in projects that encourage kindness, empathy, and friendship. On this #throwbackthursday, we draw your attention to a buddy bracelet project at Western Avenue School in February. #KindnessCounts #cooltobekind

Our students were hard at work last week constructing traps throughout the District in hopes of catching the elusive leprechaun just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Despite the clever efforts, that mischievous trickster managed to elude capture once again this year. However, in a surprising turn of events, he left behind a DIY trail mix bar for the Parker Junior High staff. Please share your inventive leprechaun traps below. 📸: Dr Smith

Support the Parker Junior High PTO and order your pie by 7pm tonight. You'll pick up your order in time for the holiday!

#ICYMI The Flossmoor Board of Education meeting was filled with recognition for staff and students! The Parker Junior High boys' basketball team and coaching staff were recognized for their phenomenal basketball season. The Board of Education also recognized staff members who received the Those Who Excel Award. The Illinois State Board of Education has presented the Those Who Excel program since 1970 to commend educators who have made noteworthy contributions to our elementary and junior high schools. Congratulations to all! • Dr. Gina Isabelli, Principal of Western Avenue School, is celebrated with the Special Recognition Award. • Gayle Dickerson, Student Support Personnel at Flossmoor Hills Elementary School, is acknowledged with the Meritorious Service Award. • Lesa Waishwell, a Western Avenue Elementary School teacher, is honored with the Special Recognition Award. • The Instructional Coaching Team from all buildings is recognized with the Meritorious Service Award. This team includes Nancy Larocca, Jennifer McLean, Amy Gehrt, Christina Bollenbacher, Tiffaney Washington, Stephanie Levy, and Alyssa Zajack. Lastly, the Board of Education awarded the third quarter recipients of the #ThoseWhoExcel award to Mr. Scott Stachacz, Director of Building and Grounds, who has served SD 161 for 10 years, and Mr. Dave Fox, Custodian Supervisor, who has served SD 161 for 17 years. The district thanks Mr. Stachacz and Mr. Fox for their exceptional service to our school community. Add your own message of congratulations to the comments below!

As a reminder, Tuesday, March 19, is an E-Learning Day. The E-Learning Day schedules for K-8 can be found by clicking the link. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZK1xJ3UmTekTBZAkpGLdp0SXcrp6gF3F/view  

Three great districts and one outstanding survey! Help us answer the question, "How are we doing with communication?" All staff, parents/guardians, and community members are invited to take a 15-minute confidential online survey now-March 25: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/rQlaDt

HF area schools ask, “How are we doing with communication?” Homewood School District 153, Flossmoor School District 161 and Homewood-Flossmoor High School are joining forces to conduct a community-wide survey to gather input about the districts’ communications efforts. By participating in the survey, you play an active role in shaping how each of the school districts communicate with you. All staff, parents/guardians, and community members are invited to take a 15-minute confidential online survey now-March 25: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/rQlaDt

As you firm up your summer plans don't forget that Summer Academy offers an excellent opportunity for your child to practice their skills and receive additional instruction during the summer break. The program dates are Monday, June 10, 2024, through Thursday, July 18, 2024. Registration is due by Friday, May 3, 2024. Please visit the link below to learn more about all of the exciting programs offered and to register your child to attend. https://www.sd161.org/article/1500367

Flossmoor District 161 would like to congratulate Flossmoor Hills 5th grader, Nyla for representing the district at the South Cook Regional Spelling Bee. Nyla, your school community is very proud of you. Well done! Give Nyla a shout out in the comments below! ⭐️

Register to attend the Flossmoor School District 161 Diversity Dinner at Parker Junior High School on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reservations are required by Friday, March 22, 2024. We hope to see you there! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe17vlx0EQhAnK8ALaJtm_H358EqfsJoDtREKscy7x0rep5zQ/viewform

Flossmoor School District 161 extends its appreciation to the volunteers whose support and tireless efforts enriched the experience of Black History Month 2024 for our students and staff. Your commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity has left a lasting impact on our school community. Thank you for your impactful contributions and for helping to create a memorable and inspiring celebration of Black history and culture. Enjoy these pictures from celebrations throughout Flossmoor School District 161. Share your favorite photos in the comments below!

LEAPING into Kindergarten! 🐸✨ Last night, Flossmoor School District 161 welcomed its newest members to the team! Kindergarten students registered for the new school year and sampled some of the excitement to come. We look forward to seeing you very soon! Happy LEAP Day!

Hey there, future kindergarteners and families! Get ready to embark on an epic journey into the world of learning! Registering for the 2024-25 school year is HERE, and we can't wait to welcome you aboard! Join us for kindergarten registration and residency verification TONIGHT at our four exceptional elementary schools from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. For more information and to stay in the loop, visit https://www.sd161.org/page/kindergarten-registration. Let's make this registration day the start of an incredible adventure together! See you tonight!